Apparatus for finishing draperies

ABSTRACT

Apparatus is disclosed for pleating and stretching draperies after cleaning. The apparatus includes a generally horizontal frame and a pair of pleater assemblies mounted on opposite ends of the frame, one of the assemblies being movable with respect to the other. Each pleater assembly includes a first array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and extending upwardly and toward the other pleater assembly, and a second array of finger elements positioned above the first array and movable vertically to a position in which the finger elements of the second array extend between the finger elements of the first array to secure therebetween one end of a drape. To facilitate securing the pleated end of a drape in a pleater assembly, a pleat spreader clip is provided. The pleat spreader clip includes a plurality of V-shaped channel members longitudinally spaced apart for insertion between finger elements of a first array. As the channel members are inserted between the finger elements, the bottoms or keels of the members contact material between the drape pleats forcing it downward between the finger elements and the side walls of the channel members contact and spread apart the pleats of the drape to allow free movement therebetween of the corresponding second array finger elements.

United States Patent [191 Hales et al.

[ 1 Jan.7,1975

[ APPARATUS FOR FINISHING DRAPERIES [76] Inventors: John H. Hales, PO. Box 1098; Myron R. McAllister, P.O. Box 1098, both of Aurora, Utah 221 Filed: Feb. 28, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 446,729

[52] US. Cl. 223/32 [51] Int. Cl. D06j l/00, A41h 43/00 [58] Field of Search 223/30-35, 223/28, 51; 156/585-598 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,147,895 9/1964 Boyes 223/32 X 3,295,731 l/l967 Klint 223/32 3,445,044 5/1969 Boyes 223/32 3,592,369 7/1971 Hales 223/32 3,613,968 10/1971 Kirche 223/32 3,726,448 4/1973 Hales 223/32 A Primary ExaminerGeo. V. Larkin lttorne y, iggm, or Firm -Criddle & Thorpe [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus is disclosed for pleating and stretching draperies after cleaning. The apparatus includes a generally horizontal frame and a pair of pleater assemblies mounted on opposite ends of the frame, one of the assemblies being movable with respect to the other. Each pleater assembly includes a first array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and extending upwardly and toward the other pleater assembly, and a second array of finger elements positioned above the first array and movable vertically to a position in which the finger elements of the second array extend between the finger elements of the first array to secure therebetween one end of a drape. To facilitate securing the pleated end of a drape in a pleater assembly, a pleat spreader clip is provided. The pleat spreader clip includes a plurality of V-shaped channel members longitudinally spaced apart for insertion between finger elements of a first array. As the channel members are inserted between the finger elements, the bottoms or keels of the members contact material between the drape pleats forcing it downward between the finger elements and the side walls of the channel members contact and spread apart the pleats of the drape to allow free movement therebetween of the corresponding second array finger elements.

19 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures Fluid Source 78 PATENTEI] JAN 7 i975 SHEU l0? 3 Fluid Source 78 PATENIED JAN 7 I975 I SHEEI 3 BF 3 APPARATUS FOR FINISHING DRAPERIES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus for pleating and stretching draperies.

The dry cleaning of draperies using present methods typically results in the draperies losing their original size, shape and form. Because of the bulkiness of many draperies, strictly manual techniques for pleating and stretching the draperies to return them to their original size and shape have proved time consuming and generally ineffective. As a result, various types of equipment have been designed and found to be reasonably useful in aiding in the pleating and stretching operation. However, the draperies must still be mounted on such equipment by hand and this oftentimes is a cumbersome and clumsy operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide new and improved drapery pleating and stretching apparatus.

It is also an object of the invention to provide drapery finishing apparatus in which a drapery may be easily mounted thereon and removed therefrom.

It is a further object of the invention to provide drapery finishing apparatus which includes equipment for simplifying the placement and positioning of a drape on the apparatus prior to pleating or stretching the drape.

These and other objects of the invention are realized in an illustrative embodiment which includes a frame, and a pair of pleater assemblies mounted on opposite ends of the frame, one of the assemblies being movable with respect to the other. Each pleater assembly includes an upper and lower array of finger elements for securing one end of a drape. The upper array is movable vertically between a position above the lower array to a position in which its finger elements extend between those of the lower array in an interleaved fashion.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a pleat spreader clip includes a plurality of V-shaped channel members spaced for insertion between the finger elements of a lower array. When the pleated end of a drape is placed on the lower array with each pleat resting on a different finger element, the side walls of the channel members inserted between the finger elements contact and spread apart adjacent pleats to allow free movement therebetween of the finger elements of the corresponding upper array.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A complete understanding of the present invention and of the above and other advantages thereof may be gained from a consideration of the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. l-is a perspective view of drapery finishing apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a portion of the upper and lower array of finger elements of the pleater assembly of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are, respectively, two cut away side views and an end view showing a finger element lifting mechanism of the FIG. 1 apparatus;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show, respectively, a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 including pleat spreader clips, an end view of a portion of the finger elements of the pleater assembly 10 of FIG. I on which a drape is placed, and an end view of the finger elements showing a pleat spreader clip in place; and

FIG. 5 shows a portion of the pleater asembly 6 of FIG. 1 including several drapery hold-down clamps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The drapery pleating and stretching apparatus of FIG. 1 includes a generally rectangular, horizontally disposed frame 2 having side members I4 and I6 and transversely extending end members, only one of which, indicated by the numeral 18, is shown. Legs 20 extend downwardly from the two end members for supporting the frame. The side members, end members and legs may be constructed in any suitable form and secured together in any suitable manner.

A generally rectangular framework 22, over which is stretched cloth or other material, is secured on top of the frame 2 to provide a table surface or platform on which a drape may be placed. Cloth or other material is used for the table surface to allow the passage therethrough of steam emitted from steam supply equipment which might illustratively be located beneath the framework 22. As is well known, it is desirable to apply steam to a drape while the drape is being stretched and pleated. Thus, as will be clear from further description, steam would pass through the cloth on the framework 22 to a drape secured in place above the framework 22.

Mounted on either end of the frame 2 are a pair of pleater assemblies 6 and 10. The pleater assembly 6 is fixed in relation to the frame 2 while the pleater assembly 10 is movable on the frame in a generally horizontal direction toward or away from the assembly 6. The pleater assembly 6 is secured to and supported by the end members 14 and 16 of the frame 2.

The pleater assembly 10 is mounted on a carriage 241 movable longitudinally of the frame 2. The carriage 24 includes a pair of side panels 26 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) which are fitted over the side members l4 and 16 of the frame 2. The side panels 26 extend below the side members 14 and 16 and are joined underneath the table by a brace 30. Illustratively, the side members 14 and 16 each comprises a channel bar having flanges which extend toward the opposite channel bar. The side panels 26 might illustratively include rollers positioned to roll on the upper surface of the lower flanges of the side members 14 and 16 to thereby facilitate movement of the carriage 24 longitudinally on the frame 2. Of course, a variety of arrangements could be provided for enabling movement of the carriage 24.

A hand wheel 28 is provided to enable a user of the apparatus to move the pleater assembly 10 toward or away from the pleater assembly 6. The hand wheel 28 might illustratively be coupled to a drive shaft extending transversely of and underneath the frame 2, with the shaft being mounted at its opposite ends in journals located in the side panels 26. The drive shaft might include a pair of pinion gears at either end thereof for driving engagement with corresponding rack gears extending along and underneath the side members 14 and 16 (one of which is shown by numeral 32 in FIG. 4A). Thus, if the hand wheel 28 were turned to thereby turn the drive shaft, the pinion gears on the drive shaft would engage corresponding rack gears causing the pinion gears to roll along the length of the rack gears and move the carriage 24 and pleater assembly 10. Arrangements such as that described above for causing the pleater assembly to move longitudinally of the frame 2 are well known in the art and are not described in further detail here since they are not considered part of the present invention.

Each of the pleater assemblies 6 and 10 includes a lower array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and extending upwardly and toward the opposite pleater assembly, and an upper array of finger elements also longitudinally spaced and movable vertically from a position above the corresponding lower array to a position in which the upper array finger elements extend between the lower array finger elements. FIG. 2 shows a portion of the lower array and upper array finger elements of the pleater assembly 10. As there indicated, the upper array of finger elements 40 extend in a generally horizontal direction toward the opposite pleater assembly. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the upper array of finger elements 48 of the pleater assembly 6 extend generally downwardly toward the corresponding lower array of finger elements 52. The upper array finger elements might illustratively be inflatable fingers such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,726,448. Such fingers illustratively comprise a rigid outer shell 41 (FIG. 2) having elongated openings 43 on the sides thereof, and an inflatable bladder 45 fitted within the shell 41. When air is supplied to the bladder 45 it expands outwardly through the openings 43 toward adjacent finger elements as more fully described in the aforecited patent. An arrangement for mounting the such fingers is also described in the indicated patent. The lower array finger elements might illustratively be constructed of laminated wood, plastic or other suitable rigid material.

The pleater assemblies 6 and 10 are essentially of the same construction, except for the arrangement of the constituent arrays of finger elements, so that only pleater assembly 10 will be described in detail. The pleater assembly 10 includes an elongated housing 56 disposed transversely of and above the frame 2. The lower array of finger elements 44 are mounted in the housing 56 to extend upwardly therefrom and toward the pleater assembly 6. The specific construction of the housing 56 will be discussed later in connection with FIGS. 4A and 3B. The pleater assembly 10 also includes a pair of standards 58 and 60 extending vertically upward from the ends of the housing 56 above the side members 16 and 14 respectively. The standards are secured to both the side members 14 and 16 and the housing 56. A horizontal brace 62 joins the tops of the standards 58 and 60 to present a substantially rigid framework on which is mounted the remaining components of the pleater assembly 10.

The brace 62 has a pair of vertically-directed spacedapart apertures therein over which are mounted a corresponding pair of vertically-directed sleeves 64 and 66. The apertures in the brace 62 and the sleeves 64 and 66 receive vertically extending guide bars 68 and 70 whose lower terminations are attached to the upper surface of an elongated member 42 disposed transversely of the frame 2 between the standards 58 and 60. The member 42 carries the upper array of finger elements of the pleater assembly 10, such finger elements extending at right angles from the member toward the pleater assembly 6. The upper terminations of the guide bars 68 and 70 are joined by a beam 72. A pneumatically operated piston and cylinder is mounted on the brace 62 between the sleeves 64 and 66. The piston contained in the cylinder 74 is coupled by a plunger 76 to the beam 72 so that when the piston is caused to move upwardly within the cylinder 74, as a result of fluid being applied to the cylinder from a fluid source 78, the plunger 76 forces the beam 72 upwardly and the beam thereby carries the guide bars 68 and and the member 42 upwardly. When the fluid is withdrawn from the cylinder 74, the piston in the cylinder moves downwardly allowing the beam 72, guide bars 68 and 70 and member 42 to move downwardly. In this manner, the upper array of finger elements of the pleater assembly 10 is caused to move between a position above the lower array of finger elements 44 to a position in which the upper array finger elements extend between the lower array finger elements. One end of a drape placed over the lower array finger elements prior to movement therebetween of the upper array finger elements would thus be secured between the upper and lower arrays after such movement. The positioning of the upper array finger elements between the lower array finger elements is shown by dotted line in FIG. 2.

It should be understood that other arrangements could be provided for causing the upper array finger elements to move vertically between the upper position and the lower interleaved position. For example, the pneumatic cylinder 74 could be replaced by an electrically actuated jack or by a manually operated jack.

Provision of the vertically movable upper array of finger elements, as described above, and a corresponding lower array for securing one end of a drape facilitates ease of placement and positioning of a drape to be stretched and pleated and ease of removing the drape after the stretching and pleating operation. In some of the prior art arrangements, the finger elements of one array are individually pivoted into place between the finger elements of a lower array from in back of the lower array. Such pivoting action might tend to push the drape off the lower array finger elements since the pivoting finger elements are moved in a direction which create a pushing action. Further, since each finger element is manually pivoted into place, proper positioning and securing of a drape could be somewhat timeconsuming. With the arrangement shown in FIG. I and described above, the upper array of finger elements, being movable vertically into place, do not tend to push the drape off the lower array. Also, movement of the upper array of finger elements is accomplished automatically and the finger elements are all moved simultaneously.

The elongated housings 54 and 56, which carry the lower arrays of finger element 52 and 44 respectively of the two pleater assemblies, include lifting mechanisms for raising and lowering the finger element arrays. Two cutaway views and an end view of one illustrative embodiment of the elongated housing 56 are given in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C. (The elongated housing 54 is constructed in a similar manner.) The elongated housing of composite FIG. 3 includes an upper plate 80, a lower plate 82 and two side plates 8] and 83, all secured to the upright standard 60. The upper plate has a plurality of apertures through which the array of finger elements 44 extend.

The lifting mechanism contained in the housing of FIG. 3 includes an elongated mounting plate 84 extending substantially the full length of the housing. The array of finger elements 44 are mounted on the mounting plate to extend up through the apertures in the plate 80. The ends of the mounting plate 84 include tabs which fit into guides (one of which is shown by numeral 86) for guiding the mounting plate 84 in a generally vertical direction when the lifting mechanism is operated. Any suitable method for stabilizing the mounting plate 84 as it is moved vertically may be utilized. The lifting mechanism also includes a pivot member 88 pivotally mounted within the housing to pivot about an axis 90 in a generally vertical plane. The pivot member 88 includes two side plates 92 and 94 which are maintained in a generally parallel configuration by a spacer 96 (FIG. 3C). The pivot member 88 is mounted to pivot within the housing by a bolt 98 and a nut 100. Spacers 102 and 104 maintain the pivot member 88 apart from the housing side plates 81 and 83. A running nut 106 is mounted within the pivot member 88 to swivel about an axis defined by a pin 107 extending transversely of the member 88 between the side plates 92 and 94. A rotatable .threaded shaft 108 is screwed into the running nut and extends generally the length of the elongated housing 56. A shaft 110 is rotatably mounted in the standard 60 and is coupled to the threaded shaft 108 by a flexible coupling 112. Stops 114 and 116 formed in the shaft 110 prevent longitudinal movement thereof. A hand wheel 118 is coupled to one end of the shaft 110 for enabling rotation of the shaft and thus the threaded shaft 108. A roller 120 is mounted to pivot about a transverse axis 122 in the end of the pivot member 88 opposite which the pivot axis 90 is located. The mounting plate 84 rests on the roller When the hand wheel 118 is turned to rotate the shaft 110 and thus the threaded shaft 108, the running unit 106 is caused to move longitudinally along the shaft 108. For example, when the threaded shaft 108 is rotated in one direction, the running nut 106 is caused to move on the shaft toward the right as indicated in FIG. 3B. When this occurs, the running nut causes the pivot member 88 to pivot upwardly, as also generally shown in FIG. 3B, and the pivot member 88, in turn, forces the mounting plate 84 and thus the finger element array 44 upwardly. Of course, as the pivot member 88 is caused to pivot upwardly, the threaded shaft 108 also is caused to move upwardly by a small amount and for this reason the flexible coupling 112 is provided to allow such movement. When the threaded shaft 108 is screwed in the other direction, the running nut 106 is caused to move to the left and the pivot member 88 is caused to pivot downwardly to lower the mounting plate 84 and finger element array 44.

The end of the threaded shaft 108 not shown in composite FIG. 3 might illustratively be coupled into a secand lifting mechanism near the other standard 58 of the pleater assembly to thereby provide for lifting both ends of the mounting plate 84. In the manner shown and described, the lower finger element arrays 44 and 52 may be lowered or raised as desired by the apparatus user.

As is clear from the above description, the finger element lifting mechanisms are provided for varying the distance which the finger elements arrays 44 and 52 (FIG. 1) extend above the top surfaces of the housings 56 and 54 respectively. This is desirable since some drapes may require deeper folds than other drapes; and since the drape folds are accommodated between the finger elements, as generally indicated in FIG. 4B, it

would be necessary to raise or lower the finger elements to accommodate drapes having folds of different depths.

The upper and lower arrays of finger elements of the pleater assembly 10 are for securing the end of the drape in wbich the pinch pleats" are located and the upper and lower arrays of finger elements of the pleater assembly 6 are for securing the opposite end of the drape. The finger elements of the array 52 are each shaped generally like an inverted L, with the horizontal leg of the element extending toward the pleater assembly 10 (best seen in FIG. 5). The lower array of finger elements 44 are also each generally shaped like an inverted L, but, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the upper edge of the front portion of the horizontal leg of each element has an oval-shaped contour which rises above the upper edge of the back portion of the leg. The finger elements of the lower arrays 52 and 44 have shapes similar to those of the so-called pleat forms described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,l47,895.

To facilitate placement and positioning of a drape in the pleating and stretching apparatus of the present invention, and specifically for facilitating the positioning of the pleated end of a drape in the pleater assembly 10, pleat spreader clips are provided (FIG. 4A). Each clip includes a plurality of generally V-shaped channel members 142 spaced along a base bar 144. Each of the channel members has a bottom or keel portion 146 and sidewalls 148 extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom. The channel members are mounted at their keel portion on the base bar 144 so that the members extend generally at a right angle from the base bar.

The function of the pleat spreader clips may be appreciated by referring to FIG. 4B which shows an end view of a portion of the lower array of finger elements 44 with the pleated end of a drape 150 placed over the finger elements. As can be seen from FIG. 4B, pinch pleats 151 of the drape 150 are positioned along the upper edge of each of the finger elements with the material between adjacent pleats being received between corresponding adjacent finger elements. When so positioned, the drape material forming the pinch pleats cxtend upward and outwardly from the upper edge of finger elements on which the pleats rest and this material might tend to obstruct or interfere with the movement of the upper array of finger elements downwardly to a position between the lower array of finger elements. This problem is avoided by placing the channel members of the spreader clips between the finger elements as shown in FIG. 4C. The channel members are positioned so that the keel portions thereof contact and urge downwardly the material between the pleats and the sidewalls of the channel members contact and spread apart the pleats resting on adjacent finger elements. In effect, each pleat is pinched together to allow free movement between the lower array finger elements 44 of the corresponding finger elements of the upper array.

The widths of the channels formed by the sidewalls of the channel members 142 are selected so that the finger elements of the upper array 40 may be received within the channels. Since the upper array finger elements are considerably longer than the channel members, only a portion of an upper array finger element would be received within a channel while the remaining portion would extend out of the channel generally between a corresponding pair of lower array finger elements as shown in FIG. 2. The base bar 144 extends downwardly from the point of attachment to the channel members 142 so that it engages the sideplate of the housing 56 when the spreader clip is in place to prevent movement of the clip forward beyond a certain point between the finger elements.

To facilitate securing the non-pleated end of the drape in the pleater assembly 6 (FIG. 1), a plurality of L-shaped, spring-loaded clamps 160 are provided (FIG. The clamps are spaced longitudinally next to the housing 54 and are pivotally attached to a pivot bar 162 to enable pivoting of the clamps between a rest position (in which the clamps are suspended vertically from the pivot bar 162) in a generally vertical plane to a clamping position (illustrated by clamp 164). Each clamp includes a long leg 166, one end of which is attached to a rotatable sleeve 168 fitted over the pivot bar 162. These sleeves, in addition to enabling pivoting of the clamps, also serve as spacers. The long leg 166 includes a hollow tube 170 in which is slideably inserted a rod 172. The end of the rod 172 extending out of the tube 170 is formed into a short leg 174 extending at a right angle from the long leg 166. A friction casing 176 illustratively made of rubber or other material suitable for gripping a drape, is fitted onto the short leg. A ring 178 extends from the rod 172 generally in a direction opposite that of the short leg 174. The ring 178 is provided as a finger grip which may be grasped by the apparatus user to pivot the clamp from its rest position to its clamping position. An extension spring 180 is wound about the tube 170 near the point of attachment of the tube to the sleeve 168. One end of the spring 180 is attached or wound about the sleeve 168 and the other end extends along the tube 170 up to the ring 178 to which it is attached. The spring 180 functions to urge the bar 172 to remain within the tube 170.

After the non-pleated end of a drape is positioned over the array of finger elements 52 so that the folds of the drape are received between adjacent finger elements, as generally shown in FIG. 5, the clamps are individually pivoted from their rest position up to the clamping position so that the short leg extends between a corresponding pair of finger elements to press a drape fold downward against the top of the housing 54. When pivoting a clamp to its clamping position, the bar 172 and short leg 174 are slid longitudinally away from the pivot bar 162 to allow the short leg to extend above the upper surface of the housing 54 and the fold of the drape received between the corresponding finger elements; and then when the short leg is positioned above the fold and the top of the housing 54 and the fold is in the proper position, the short leg is released so that the spring 180 contracts and pulls the short leg into contact with the drape fold and top surface of the housing 54. After the drape has been placed in the position desired and the clamps 160 moved to their clamping position, the upper array of finger elements 44 may be lowered between the lower array of finger elements 52 for more firmly securing the drape.

A release bar 192 is disposed to extend between the clamps 160 and the housing 54 and is mounted to be rotated about one of its edges 196 so that the opposite edge 194 contacts any clamp 160 in the clamping position forcing the clamp from the clamping position back to the rest position. One end of the release bar 192 is attached to a shaft 198 which, in turn, is held by a bracket 197 to the upright standard 195. The end ofthe shaft 198 not attached to the release bar 192 is formed into a handle 199 to enable rotating the bar 192 to release the clamps. The other end of the release bar 192, not shown, is similarly supported to allow rotation of the bar.

An exemplary procedure for positioning a drape in the FIG. 1 apparatus for pleating and stretching will now be described. The drape is placed on the framework 22 and the pleated end of the drape is pulled over the lower array of finger elements 44 so that each pleat of the drape rests on a different one of the finger elements as generally shown in FIG. 4B. The pleat spreader clips are then set in position, as shown in FIG. 4C, so that the channel members of the clips extend between the finger elements to spread apart the pleats resting on the elements. After the pleat spreader clips are in place, the finger elements of the upper array of the pleater assembly 10 are lowered to a position where they extend between the lower array finger elements as generally indicated in FIG. 2. The upper array finger elements are then inflated causing them to expand and securely hold the drape between the upper and lower arrays. Since the pleat spreader clips do not interfere with the securing of the pleated end of the drape, the need not be removed at this time. The non-pleated end of the drape is then pulled over the lower array of finger elements 52 of the pleater assembly 6 so that drape folds are received between the finger elements in a manner desired by the apparatus user (generally shown in FIG. 5). When the non-pleated end of the drape is in the desired position, the spring-loaded clamps are swung into place to temporarily hold the non-pleated end of the drape preparatory to lowering the upper array of finger elements 48. The upper array finger elements ar then lowered into position between the lower array finger elements and the upper array finger elements are inflated to securely hold the non-pleated end of the drape in the pleater assembly 6. Again, since the spring-loaded clamps do not interfere with the holding of the non-pleated end of the drape, they need not be pivoted from their clamping position at this time. After securing both ends of the drape, the moveable pleater assembly 10 is moved away from the pleater assembly 6 to stretch the drape therebetween above the framework 22. Steam may then be applied from under the framework 22 through the framework cloth to the drape. As the steam is being applied to the drape, additional stretching may be desired. After application of sufficient steam to set the pleats and folds formed by the pleater assemblies 6 and 10, dry air may be applied to dry the drape. After the drape has dried, the upper arrays of finger elements are deflated and raised to release both ends of the drape and the drape is then removed from the apparatus.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiment is only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and the following claims are intended to cover such modifications.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for finishing draperies comprising a frame,

a first pleater assembly mounted on said frame for securing one end of a drape,

a second pleater assembly mounted on said frame and movable with respect to the first pleater assembly for securing the other end of the drape,

each pleater assembly including a first array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and extending upwardly and toward the other pleater assembly for carrying one end of the drape, a second array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and movable vertically between a position above said first array and a position in which the finger elements of the second array extend between the finger elements of the first array to secure the one end of the drape therebetween, and means for moving said second array vertically between said positions.

2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the second array of finger elements of said first pleater assembly extend downwardly and the second array of finger elements of said second pleater assembly extend toward the first pleater assembly.

3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein the finger elements of each second array are inflatable to contact adjacent finger elements of the corresponding first array when the second array is moved to the position where the finger elements thereof extend between the first array finger elements.

4. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each pleater assembly further comprises a lifting mechanism for lifting the first array of finger elements including an elongated housing disposed transversely of said frame, the upper portion of said housing having a plurality of openings through which extend the finger elements of the firat array,

an elongated mounting plate disposed within said housing and on which the finger elements of the first array of finger elements are mounted,

at least one pivot means pivotally mounted within said housing under said mounting plate to pivot in a substantially vertical plane between a lowered position and a raised position, said mounting plate resting on said pivot means,

a running nut mounted on said pivot means, and

a rotatable threaded shaft for screwing into the running nut so that when the threaded shaft is rotated, the running nut is caused to move therealong to thereby cause said pivot means to pivot between the lowered and raised positions and accordingly raise and lower said mounting plate.

5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said lifting mechanism futher comprises a roller rotatably mounted in said pivot means, said mounting plate resting on said roller.

6. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each pleater assembly further comprises a pair of standards extending vertically up from either side of said frame,

a horizontal brace joining the tops of said standards, said horizontal brace having a pair of spaced-apart apertures therein,

an elongated member disposed transversely of said frame between said standards, the second array of finger elements of said each pleater assembly being mounted to extend at right angles from the elongated member,

a pair of guide bars one end of each of which is affixed to the elongated members, said guide bars extending vertically upward from the member through the apertures in the brace,

a beam joining the other ends of the guide bars, and

wherein said moving means is mounted on said brace for operating against said beam to move the beam, guide bars and elongated member vertically between said positions.

7. Apparatus as in claim 6 wherein moving means comprises a pneumatically actuated cylinder and piston mounted between the brace and beam.

8. Apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a pleat spreader clip including at least one generally V-shaped channel member having a keel portion and side walls extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom, said channel member being insertable between any two adjacent finger elements of the first array of the second pleater assembly such that when adjacent pleats of a drape are each placed on a different one of two adjacent finger elements, the keel portion of the channel member contacts the drape material between the pleats and urges it downwardly between the adjacent finger elements and the side walls of the channel member contact the pleats to spread the pleats apart and allow free movement therebetween of a finger element of the second array of the second pleater assembly.

9. Apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said pleat spreader clip includes a base bar, and

a plurality of V-shaped channel members mounted at their keel portions on the base bar, spaced therealong and extending at right angles therefrom to enable insertion of the members between the finger elements of the first array of the second pleater assembly, said channel members contacting and spreading apart adjacent pleats resting on the finger elements to thereby allow free movement therebetween of finger elements of the second array of the second pleater assembly.

10. Apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising an elongated housing disposed transversely of said frame for carrying the first array of finger elements of said first pleater assembly, the finger elements extending upwardly from the housing and toward the second pleater assembly,

a plurality of L-shaped, spring loaded clamps spaced longitudinally next to said housing, each of said clamps having a long leg, one end of which is attached to said frame to enable pivoting of the clamp in a vertical plane between a rest position and a clamping position, and a short leg extending at a right angle from the other end of the long leg and movable longitudinally thereof, said short leg being biased against said housing between a pair of finger elements of the first array when the clamp is in the clamping position.

ll. Apparatus as in claim 10 wherein each of said clamps includes a friction casing placed about the short leg of said each clamp.

12. Apparatus as in claim 10 wherein each long leg of the clamp includes a hollow tube pivotally attached to the frame, and an inner leg longitudinally movable within the tube and integrally formed with the short leg at a right angle therewith, said each clamp further including a spring attached to the tube and inner leg for urging the inner leg to remain within the tube.

13. Apparatus for finishing draperies comprising a frame and a pleater assembly mounted on said frame at one end thereof for securing the pleated end of a drape, said pleater assembly comprising a first array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and extending upwardly and toward the other end of said frame for carrying the pleated end of the drape, each finger element provided for supporting a different pleat with the drapery material between pleats accommodated between the finger elements,

a second array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and movable between a position removed from the first array and a position in which the second array finger elements extend between the first array finger elements,

means for supporting said first and second arrays of finger elements, and

a pleat spreader clip including at least one generally V-shaped channel member having a bottom wall and two side walls flaring upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall,

said channel member being insertable between finger elements of the first array so that the bottom wall contacts and urges downwardly the material between pleats and the side walls contact and spread apart the pleats resting on the finger elements.

14. Apparatus as in claim 13 wherein said pleat spreader clip includes a base bar, and

a plurality of V-shaped channel members mounted at their bottom walls on the base bar and spaced longitudinally therealong to extend at right angles from the bar, said channel members being insertable between the first array finger elements to contact and urge downwardly the material between the pleats and to spread apart the pleats resting on adjacent finger elements to allow receipt therebetween of finger elements of the second array.

15. Apparatus for finishing draperies comprising a frame, and a pleater assembly mounted on one end of the frame for securing the end of a drape opposite the pleated end, said pleater assembly comprising an elongated member disposed transversely of said frame,

a first array of finger elements extending upwardly from the elongated member and toward the other end of the frame, said finger elements arranged for carrying the end of the drape opposite the pleated end,

a second array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and movable between a position removed from the first array and a position in which the second array finger elements extend between the first array finger elements to secure the end ofthe drape therebetween, and

a plurality of L-shaped, spring loaded clamps longitudinally spaced adjacent to said elongated member, each of said clamps having a long leg, one end of which is attached to said frame to enable pivoting of the clamp in a vertical plane between a rest position and a clamping position, and a short leg extending at a right angle from the other end of the long leg and movable longitudinally thereof, said short leg being biased against said elongated member between a pair of finger elements of the first array when the clamp is in the clamping position.

16. Apparatus as in claim 15 wherein each of said clamps includes a friction casing placed about the short leg of said each clamp.

17. Apparatus as in claim 15 wherein each long leg of the clamp includes a sleeve pivotally attached to the frame, and an inner leg longitudinally movable within the sleeve and integrally formed with the short leg at a right angle therewith, said each clamp further including an extension spring, one end of which is attached to the sleeve and the other end of which is attached to the inner leg for maintaining the inner leg within the sleeve.

18. Apparatus as in claim 17 wherein said extension spring is wound about the exterior of said sleeve, one end of the spring being attached to the sleeve near the point of attachment of the sleeve to the frame and the other end of the spring being attached to the inner leg near the formation of the short leg.

19. Apparatus as in claim 15 further comprising a release bar extending between the elongated member and the clamps and manually operable against the clamps when the clamps are in the clamping position to force the clamps to pivot to the rest position. 

1. Apparatus for finishing draperies comprising a frame, a first pleater assembly mounted on said frame for securing one end of a drape, a second pleater assembly mounted on said frame and movable with respect to the first pleater assembly for securing the other end of the drape, each pleater assembly including a first array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and extending upwardly and toward the other pleater assembly for carrying one end of the drape, a second array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and movable vertically between a position above said first array and a position in which the finger elements of the second array extend between the finger elements of the first array to secure the one end of the drape therebetween, and means for moving said second array vertically between said positions.
 2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the second array of finger elements of said first pleater assembly extend downwardly and the second array of finger elements of said second pleater assembly extend toward the first pleater assembly.
 3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein the finger elements of each second array are inflatable to contact adjacent finger elements of the corresponding first array when the second array is moved to the position where the finger elements thereof extend between the first array finger elements.
 4. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each pleater assembly further comprises a lifting mechanism for lifting the first array of finger elements including an elongated housing disposed transversely of said frame, the upper portion of said housing having a plurality of openings through which extend the finger elements of the firat array, an elongated mounting plate disposed within said housing and on which the finger elements of the first array of finger elements are mounted, at least one pivot means pivotally mounted within said housing under said mounting plate to pivot in a substantially vertical plane between a lowered position and a raised position, said mounting plate resting on said pivot means, a running nut mounted on said pivot means, and a rotatable threaded shaft for screwing into the running nut so that when the threaded shaft is rotated, the running nut is caused to move therealong to thereby cause said pivot means to pivot between the lowered and raised positions and accordingly raise and lower said mounting plate.
 5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said lifting mechanism futher comprises a roller rotatably mounted in said pivot means, said mounting plate resting on said roller.
 6. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each pleater assembly further comprises a pair of standards extending vertically up from either side of said frame, a horizontal brace joining the tops of said standards, said horizontal brace having a pair of spaced-apart apertures therein, an elongated member disposed transversely of said frame between said standards, the second array of finger elements of said each pleater assembly being mounted to extend at right angles from the elongated member, a pair of guide bars one end of each of which is affixed to the elongated members, said guide bars extending vertically upward from the member through the apertures in the brace, a beam joining the other ends of the guide bars, and wherein said moving means is mounted on said brace for operating against said beam to move the beam, guide bars and elongated member vertically between said positions.
 7. Apparatus as in claim 6 wherein moving means comprises a pneumatically actuated cylinder and piston mounted between the brace and beam.
 8. Apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a pleat spreader clip including at least one generally V-shaped channel member having a keel portion and side walls extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom, said channel member being insertable between any two adjacent finger elements of the first array of the second pleater assembly such that when adjacent pleats of a drape are each placed on a different one of two adjacent finger elements, the keel portion of the channel member contacts the drape material between the pleats and urges it downwardly between the adjacent finger elements and the side walls of the channel member contact the pleats to spread the pleats apart and allow free movement therebetween of a finger element of the second array of the second pleater assembly.
 9. Apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said pleat spreader clip includes a base bar, and a plurality of V-shaped channel members mounted at their keel portions on the base bar, spaced therealong and extending at right angles therefrom to enable insertion of the members between the finger elements of the first array of the second pleater assembly, said channel members contacting and spreading apart adjacent pleats resting on the finger elements to thereby allow free movement therebetween of finger elements of the second array of the second pleater assembly.
 10. Apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising an elongated housing disposed transversely of said frame for carrying the first array of finger elements of said first pleater assembly, the finger elements extending upwardly from the housing and toward the second pleater assembly, a plurality of L-shaped, spring loaded clamps spaced longitudinally next to said housing, each of said clamps having a long leg, one end of which is attached to said frame to enable pivoting of the clamp in a vertical plane between a rest position and a clamping position, and a short leg extending at a right angle from the other end of the long leg and movable longitudinally thereof, said short leg being biased against said housing between a pair of finger elements of the first array when the clamp is in the clamping position.
 11. Apparatus as in claim 10 wherein each of said clamps includes a friction casing placed about the short leg of said each clamp.
 12. Apparatus as in claim 10 wherein each long leg of the clamp includes a hollow tube pivotally attached to the frame, and an inner leg longitudinally movable within the tube and integrally formed with the short leg at a right angle therewith, said each clamp further including a spring attached to the tube and inner leg for urging the inner leg to remain within the tube.
 13. Apparatus for finishing draperies comprising a frame and a pleater assembly mounted on said frame at one end thereof for securing the pleated end of a drape, said pleater assembly comprising a first array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and extending upwardly and toward the other end of said frame for carrying The pleated end of the drape, each finger element provided for supporting a different pleat with the drapery material between pleats accommodated between the finger elements, a second array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and movable between a position removed from the first array and a position in which the second array finger elements extend between the first array finger elements, means for supporting said first and second arrays of finger elements, and a pleat spreader clip including at least one generally V-shaped channel member having a bottom wall and two side walls flaring upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall, said channel member being insertable between finger elements of the first array so that the bottom wall contacts and urges downwardly the material between pleats and the side walls contact and spread apart the pleats resting on the finger elements.
 14. Apparatus as in claim 13 wherein said pleat spreader clip includes a base bar, and a plurality of V-shaped channel members mounted at their bottom walls on the base bar and spaced longitudinally therealong to extend at right angles from the bar, said channel members being insertable between the first array finger elements to contact and urge downwardly the material between the pleats and to spread apart the pleats resting on adjacent finger elements to allow receipt therebetween of finger elements of the second array.
 15. Apparatus for finishing draperies comprising a frame, and a pleater assembly mounted on one end of the fame for securing the end of a drape opposite the pleated end, said pleater assembly comprising an elongated member disposed transversely of said frame, a first array of finger elements extending upwardly from the elongated member and toward the other end of the frame, said finger elements arranged for carrying the end of the drape opposite the pleated end, a second array of finger elements longitudinally spaced and movable between a position removed from the first array and a position in which the second array finger elements extend between the first array finger elements to secure the end of the drape therebetween, and a plurality of L-shaped, spring loaded clamps longitudinally spaced adjacent to said elongated member, each of said clamps having a long leg, one end of which is attached to said frame to enable pivoting of the clamp in a vertical plane between a rest position and a clamping position, and a short leg extending at a right angle from the other end of the long leg and movable longitudinally thereof, said short leg being biased against said elongated member between a pair of finger elements of the first array when the clamp is in the clamping position.
 16. Apparatus as in claim 15 wherein each of said clamps includes a friction casing placed about the short leg of said each clamp.
 17. Apparatus as in claim 15 wherein each long leg of the clamp includes a sleeve pivotally attached to the frame, and an inner leg longitudinally movable within the sleeve and integrally formed with the short leg at a right angle therewith, said each clamp further including an extension spring, one end of which is attached to the sleeve and the other end of which is attached to the inner leg for maintaining the inner leg within the sleeve.
 18. Apparatus as in claim 17 wherein said extension spring is wound about the exterior of said sleeve, one end of the spring being attached to the sleeve near the point of attachment of the sleeve to the frame and the other end of the spring being attached to the inner leg near the formation of the short leg.
 19. Apparatus as in claim 15 further comprising a release bar extending between the elongated member and the clamps and manually operable against the clamps when the clamps are in the clamping position to force the clamps to pivot to the rest position. 